23 creative and unconventional first date ideas

Dating isn't easy these days — it's a lot of scrolling, swiping, and game-playing. Simply meeting someone is half the battle, but afterwards you're tasked with coming up with date ideas, which makes things even harder.

Sure, you could take them to a movie or a nice dinner — those will always be classics — but if you really want to impress them, you've got to think outside the box.

Luckily, there are tons of creative first date ideas for people on every budget and from any city. They're unique, unconventional, and (almost) guaranteed to help you learn more about your date.

5. Go to an animal shelter to play with dogs (or adopt one!)

6. Go thrifting

Go through the bins to find a few hidden treasures or try on the outrageous things people have given away.

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7. Sing karaoke

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Sure it can be cheesy and embarrassing, but you'll be able to tell if the person is down to get silly sometimes.

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8. Go on a goofy ghost tour

Flickr/Jordi Carrasco

Small towns and big cities alike are known to host cheesy, lantern-lit ghost tours at night. If you're lucky, your date will jump into your arms.

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9. Attend a poetry or book reading

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Look for local readings from both famous and aspiring artists. Don't forget to snap not clap!

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10. Hit up a local trivia night

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Your favorite bar probably does a weekly or monthly trivia night, even if you don't know it. They're often on weekdays, which makes it perfect for anyone who works weekends or wants to spice up their work week.

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11. Go to an arcade

Unsplash/Jordan Bauer

There are even arcade bars now that let you throw it back to the PAC-MAN days with a side of beer.